Sip on tasty cocktails all weekend long when Thirst Boston returns April 27-29.

Now in its fifth year, the annual festival is an all-encompassing celebration of New England's cocktail culture, featuring drink seminars, celebrity guests and plenty of partying. This year's event will include everything from cocktail classes to a special appearance by Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh, so you definitely don't want to miss out any of the fun this weekend.

Here are some of the events you have to check out at this year's Thirst Boston.

5 things to do at Thirst Boston 2018

Singani 63: Avoid the Obvious

Award-winning filmmaker Steven Soderbergh will screen his new film "La Storia de Singani 63," which offers a closer look at an ancient and "mysterious" style of spirit that hails from the Bolivian Andes. Singani 63, a project funded by the director, is bringing singani spirit to the masses, which uses distilled white Muscat of Alexandria grapes grown at altitudes of up to 6,000 feet. Fans will get to learn more about the beverage this weekend.

The region's top bartenders will unite for a special state fair-style party on Saturday night. The event will include carnival games, giveaways, bar bites as well as a wide array of drink offerings from local brewers, distillers and more. The fun kicks off at 6 p.m. for VIP ticketholders with a "bubbles and bivalves" hour, where guests can enjoy sparkling wine paired with local oysters. Tickets include samplings and one cocktail, with additional food and drinks available for purchase.

Learn how to drink like a true local at this special seminar. The class will offer guests an intimate look at the city's drinking culture and place in cocktail history, as well as offer lessons in how to make two famous Boston drinks, the Ritz Fizz and the Ward 8.

This "Mad Max"-style event features 12 teams of bartenders going head-to-head in a "post-apocalyptic," blended drink competition. Attendees will get the chance to sip on samples of drinks from the showdown, as well as enjoy snacks. Beer will also be available for purchase.

April 29, 8 p.m.-11 p.m., Whiskey Saigon, 116 Boylston St., Boston

Fernet BrancadeAfter Party

The last event of the festival will take guests back to the '80s. Head to Gather for a special arcade and dance night on Sunday. Bitbar is bringing the games while Fernet gives away swag to attendees, who are invited to come dressed in their favorite '80s outfits.